School deworming programme underway
Only children who have signed parental consent forms will receive the deworming tablets.
The City of Johannesburg Department of Health, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, is running a school deworming programme for all Grade R to Seven learners in quintile one to three primary schools.
The deworming programme started on September 6 and will conclude on October 31.
Over 600 million learners worldwide are infected with soil-transmitted parasitic helminths (worms).
In South Africa studies report 40% to 90% prevalence rates among learners from five to 14 years of age. These infections harm their health and development and can negatively impact educational and economic achievement both in the short- and long term.
According to the international organisation Deworm the World, deworming ranks number one among the five top most innovative educational strategies.
The benefits of deworming learners are immediate, long and lasting and a large number of learners can be reached through schools.
Since 2016, more than 17 million South African children were cumulatively dewormed through a donation by the World Health Organisation to assist South Africa to eliminate worms by 2023.
The City’s health department is responsible for the safekeeping, distribution and administration of WHO donated Mebendazole deworming tablets for school children.
Only children who have signed parental consent forms will receive the deworming tablets.
All about deworming your child
